My first proper birdwatching trip!

[neep_neep]

Sorry folks, no photos i'm afraid - but I just thought i'd share the fact that I went 'proper' birdwatching today (i.e. at an RSPB reserve, not just my back garden!) with binoculars and everything...

It was most exciting!

Sorry if I sound a bit silly - but i've just never properly sat in a hide with a pair of binoculars and a field guide before, I don't think I really appreciated how enjoyable it could be! Especially as it was pretty nippy, rather than watching out of the window in my nice warm room...

But yes, it was lovely, saw loads of birds i'd never seen before in the flesh.

I think i've found myself a new hobby can't wait to get my new camera now...

[Wild-Woman]

Good for you neep_neep.It is rather addictive isn't it. Nothing like the spectacle of nature, happen for real, in front of you is there? I hope you have many more happy hours birdwatching and do tell us what you see, we'd love to know.

Jules

[goosey]

neep _neep I totally agree with you. I went to RSPB Leighton Moss (North Lancashire) the last time I was home, that was the first time I'd ever been "propper birdwatching"and found it such an enjoyable experience. I'm looking forward to going back again a trying out some different reserves in the summer when I'm over.
I'm glad you had such a great day out - beats shopping or tv anyday Here's to new experiences and hobbies -well not really a hobby- it was life changing for me.

[John]

That's another one hooked.

Now that you have started you will wonder why you hadn't started it ages ago. I don't know where you live but now that you have started why don't you do a search on the net to see what else is around your area. You maybe surprised to find out that there are some excellent reserves or birdwatching areas nearby.

You haven't mentioned if you have a scope. If not it won't be long before your hankering to get one as there will always be a bird just that bit too far for your bins that you want to see.

Good luck and good birding.

John

[aeshna5]

neep- glad you enjoyed your first "proper" birding- it's truly addictive. If you enjoy the company of other like minded people there should be a local RSPB or Wildlife Trust group near you who will run regular trips- there will be people there from beginners to experts + it's a good way to learn.

I appreciate some people prefer their own company, so it may not be for you, but an idea to ponder. Enjoy your birding + all the other fascinating wildlife out there.

[smartie]

My own first "proper" trip is not so far back that I have forgotten the excitement. Great fun, isn't it?

One small word of advice I'd give -and I'd be interested in what others think about this - is not to get obsessed with spending all your time behind a camera too soon. It's natural to want to take photos for reference and identification, but my observation is that the people who take the best wildlife shots are those who really understand the birds they are looking at. In the early stages the camera can actually get in the way of seeing the birds.

[canonman]

Hi
Many congrats on joining the ranks of birwatchers, hope now your hooked you will be with us for a long time.
Mick

[nightshade]

I am so glad you enjoyed yourself,I hope you will continue to find the joy in this hobby
The Lioness is very taken with birding although it is a only very recently she has decided
to travel far afield Slimbridge is favourite at the moment

[wyevilla]

The thing about this hobby is that you can adapt it to suit your own personality. You can simply observe and remember, photograph, take notes, compile checklists, databases etc, etc.

However, I would think about some way of recording what you see. You can't know yet which direction this new interest will take you, but something like a diary or notebook recording the date, location and the things you saw will always be of interest and can be a useful reference should you wish to revisit the area.

I don't keep a diary as such but my Wildlife Notebook serves as a record of what visits my garden, my trips to wildlife sites, walks and family holidays.

Wharever you do - enjoy!

[BeowulfIII]

Good for you neep, I am at the same stage having just bought binoculars but no camera yet and heading for first bird watching experience outside of the backyard bird feeder this weekend. Hope it is as enjoyable as yours!

[badgerwatcher]

Fantastic, Neep neep, and Boewulf.
My first birdwatching trip was only about five or six years ago. I went to minsmere, which is a bit like going out for a bag of crisps and finding a banquet, as I had no idea of all the glorious world of waders and warblers.
I agree with Smartie about leaving the camera for a while, as sitting peering through binoculars for hours teaches you so much about habits and habitats.
So pleased you had a lovely time.

[neep_neep]

Thanks for the replies

That's sound advice about not getting too obsessed with the camera, I suppose it is easy to get so concerned with a good shot that you forget to actually 'watch' the birds and appreciate them!

No, I don't have a scope - but we had one in our group which we shared. It was amazing being able to see them so close up and with such clarity...may have to look into those...

[badgerwatcher]

Even some cheap binoculars can be quite good if you've got nothing else. I managed with a £12 pair for several years, and a good bird book.
And I ask people. You can learn so much, and people are very kind. And even if you can't see birds really sharply, you are learning about their behaviour and flight patterns.
Golden plover are a prime example. I saw them a few times as no more than a distant golden haze on mud flats, and as flying gold dust. But that was enough, once I'd been shown, and they're still beautiful.

[philbyuk]

glad you enjoyed neep neep i also had my first proper day at martin mere last november and leighton moss is definately on the cards for me soon
lol may see you at one place or another..